What Office Managers Really Do

Faithful discharger of duties that range from feeding plants to feeding egos, the office manager (OM) often is key to a business's smooth functioning. To find out how crucial a role he or she plays -- and how an OM's functions are perceived -- Inc. surveyed a number of CEOs. Here are selected responses.

Gearcon General Contractors, in Albuquerque, a $3-million construction company with 16 to 35 employees.

Challenges: Making sure the office hums; helping supervisors in the field; troubleshooting; dealing with irate customers.